U.S. patent application number 11/370524 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-05 for image-forming apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yoshio Nakazawa.
Application Number | 20060222379 11/370524 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37070626 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060222379 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakazawa; Yoshio |
October 5, 2006 |
Image-forming apparatus
Abstract
An image-forming apparatus for forming an image by heating a
medium, the image-forming apparatus includes a connector
connectable to a heating unit that heats the medium; a conmmercial
power supply that generates power to be supplied to the heating
unit; a switch system, provided between the heating unit and the
conmmercial power supply, that switches the supply of the power to
the heating unit on or off; and a switch control unit that controls
the switch system based on the heating unit type.
Inventors: |
Nakazawa; Yoshio;
(Nagano-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOGAN & HARTSON L.L.P.
500 S. GRAND AVENUE
SUITE 1900
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071-2611
US
|
Assignee: |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
37070626 |
Appl. No.: |
11/370524 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/12 ; 399/88;
399/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/80 20130101;
G03G 2215/20 20130101; G03G 15/2039 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/012 ;
399/088; 399/090 |
International
Class: |
G03G 15/00 20060101
G03G015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 2005 |
JP |
2005-100099 |
Mar 30, 2005 |
JP |
2005-100101 |
Claims
1. An image-forming apparatus for forming an image by heating a
medium, the image-forming apparatus comprising: a connector
connectable to a heating unit that heats the medium; a conmmercial
power supply that generates power to be supplied to the heating
unit; a switch system, provided between the heating unit and the
conmmercial power supply, that switches the supply of the power to
the heating unit on or off; and a switch control unit that controls
the switch system based on the heating unit type.
2. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
image-forming apparatus forms an image by fixing toner to the
medium; and wherein the heating unit is a fusing unit that fixes
toner to the medium by heating the medium.
3. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
heating unit has a memory unit that stores identification
information for identifying the heating unit type; and wherein the
switch control unit controls the switch system based on the
identification information read from the heating unit connected to
the connector.
4. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
conmmercial power supply has a first terminal and a second terminal
that supply the power; and wherein the switch system includes: a
first relay provided between the first terminal and the heating
unit; and a first triac provided between the second terminal and
the heating unit.
5. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the
switch system includes: a second relay provided between the first
terminal and the heating unit, in parallel with the first relay;
and a second triac provided between the second terminal and the
heating unit, in parallel with the first triac.
6. An image-forming apparatus for forming an image by heating a
medium, the image-forming apparatus comprising: a connector
connectable to a heating unit that heats the medium; a conmmercial
power supply that generates power to be supplied to the heating
unit; a switch system, provided between the heating unit and the
conmmercial power supply, that switches the supply of the power to
the heating unit on or off; and a switch control unit that controls
the switch system based on the heating unit type and the switch
system type.
7. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
image-forming apparatus forms an image by fixing toner to the
medium; and wherein the heating unit is a fusing unit that fixes
toner to the medium by heating the medium.
8. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
image-forming apparatus further comprises a first memory unit that
stores switch identification information for identifying the switch
system type; wherein the heating unit has a second memory unit that
stores unit identification information for identifying the heating
unit type; and wherein the switch control unit controls the switch
system based on the switch identification information and the unit
identification information read from the first memory unit and the
second memory unit.
9. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the
image-forming apparatus further comprises a third memory unit that
stores a plurality of programs for controlling the operation of the
image-forming apparatus; and wherein the switch control unit
controls the switch system based on a program, from among the
plurality of programs, read from the third memory unit based on the
switch identification information and the unit identification
information.
10. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 8 further
comprising: a fourth memory unit that stores a plurality of
combinations of switch identification information and unit
identification information; and a notification unit that gives a
notification based on the result of comparing the switch
identification information and the unit identification information
read from the first memory unit and the second memory unit, and the
plurality of combinations stored in the fourth memory unit.
11. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
conmmercial power supply has a first terminal and a second terminal
to supply the power; wherein the switch system includes: a first
relay provided between the first terminal and the heating unit; and
a first triac provided between the second terminal and the heating
unit.
12. The image-forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
switch system further includes: a second relay provided between the
first terminal and the heating unit, in parallel with the first
relay; and a second triac provided between the second terminal and
the heating unit, in parallel with the first triac.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Applications Nos.
2005-100099 and 2005-100101, which were filed on Mar. 30, 2005, is
expressly incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to an image-forming apparatus
such as a printer, copying machine, or facsimile machine.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] JP-A-2004-45687 discloses an example of a conventional
image-forming apparatus. It also discloses a fuser with various
configurations, included in an image-forming apparatus, for
controlling the apparatus in optimum conditions.
[0006] However, the above conventional image-forming apparatus has
a problem in that the configuration of its power supply system,
which supplies the fuser with power, needs to be changed depending
on the type of fuser mounted.
SUMMARY
[0007] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is the
provision of an image-forming apparatus that can resolve the
aforementioned problem.
[0008] A first aspect of the invention is an image-forming
apparatus for forming an image by heating a medium, the
image-forming apparatus including: a connector connectable to a
heating unit that heats the medium; a conmmercial power supply that
generates power to be supplied to the heating unit; a switch
system, provided between the heating unit and the conmmercial power
supply, that switches the supply of the power to the heating unit
on or off; and a switch control unit that controls the switch
system based on the heating unit type.
[0009] A second aspect of the invention is an image-forming
apparatus for forming an image by heating a medium, the
image-forming apparatus including: a connector connectable to a
heating unit that heats the medium; a conmmercial power supply that
generates power to be supplied to the heating unit; a switch
system, provided between the heating unit and the conmmercial power
supply, that switches the supply of the power to the heating unit
on or off; and a switch control unit that controls the switch
system based on the heating unit type and the switch system
type.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the entire configuration
of an image-forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit and a power supply system according to the first embodiment of
the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fusing
unit according to the second embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fusing
unit according to the third embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a power
supply system that supplies power to a fusing unit according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit and a power supply system according to the fourth embodiment
of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit and a power supply system according to the fifth embodiment of
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit and a power supply system according to the sixth embodiment of
the invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit and a power supply system according to the seventh embodiment
of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit and a power supply system according to the eighth embodiment
of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit and a power supply system according to the ninth embodiment of
the invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a power
supply system that supplies power to a fusing unit according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0022] An embodiment of the invention provides an image-forming
apparatus for forming an image by heating a medium, the
image-forming apparatus including: a connector connectable to a
heating unit that heats the medium; a conmmercial power supply that
generates power to be supplied to the heating unit; a switch
system, provided between the heating unit and the conmmercial power
supply, that switches the supply of the power to the heating unit
on or off; and a switch control unit that controls the switch
system based on the heating unit type.
[0023] In the above configuration, the image-forming apparatus
controls the power supply to the heating unit according to the type
of heating unit mounted. Accordingly, the above configuration makes
it possible to provide a highly-versatile image-forming apparatus
compatible with many types of heating units.
[0024] It is preferable that the image-forming apparatus forms an
image by fixing toner to the medium, and that the heating unit is a
fusing unit that fixes toner to the medium by heating the
medium.
[0025] In the image-forming apparatus, it is preferable that the
heating unit has a memory unit that stores identification
information for identifying the heating unit type, and that the
switch control unit controls the switch system based on the
identification information read from the heating unit connected to
the connector. The memory unit stores information such as the
number of heating elements constituting the heating unit, the
heating element types (those for heating the central part, or for
heating both sides), the connection configuration of the heating
elements, and the shipping destination for the fusing unit, etc.,
as identification information.
[0026] In the image-forming apparatus, it is preferable that the
conmmercial power supply has a first terminal and a second terminal
that supply the power, and that the switch system includes a first
relay provided between the first terminal and the heating unit, and
a first triac provided between the second terminal and the heating
unit. Furthermore, it is preferable that the switch system includes
a second relay provided between the first terminal and the heating
unit, in parallel with the first relay, and a second triac provided
between the second terminal and the heating unit, in parallel with
the first triac.
[0027] Another embodiment of the invention provides an
image-forming apparatus for forming an image by heating a medium,
the image-forming apparatus including: a connector connectable to a
heating unit that heats the medium; a conmmercial power supply that
generates power to be supplied to the heating unit; a switch
system, provided between the heating unit and the conmmercial power
supply, that switches the supply of the power to the heating unit
on or off; and a switch control unit that controls the switch
system based on the heating unit type and the switch system
type.
[0028] In the above configuration, the image-forming apparatus
controls the power supply to the heating unit according to the
switch system type, and the type of heating unit mounted.
Accordingly, the above configuration makes it possible to provide a
highly-versatile image-forming apparatus compatible with many types
of heating units and switch systems.
[0029] In the image-forming apparatus, it is preferable that the
image-forming apparatus forms an image by fixing toner to the
medium, and that the heating unit is a fusing unit that fixes toner
to the medium by heating the medium.
[0030] It is preferable that the image-forming apparatus further
includes a first memory unit that stores switch identification
information for identifying the switch system type, that the
heating unit has a second memory unit that stores unit
identification information for identifying the heating unit type,
and that the switch control unit controls the switch system based
on the switch identification information and the unit
identification information read from the first memory unit and the
second memory unit.
[0031] The first memory unit stores information such as the number
of switches constituting the switch system, the switch types, the
configuration of the connection between each of the switches and
the connector, the shipping destination for the image-forming
apparatus, etc., as switch identification information. The second
memory unit stores information such as the number of heating
elements constituting the heating unit, the heating element types
(those for heating the central part, or for heating both sides),
the connection configuration of the heating elements, and the
shipping destination for the fusing unit, etc., as unit
identification information.
[0032] It is preferable that the image-forming apparatus further
includes a third memory unit that stores a plurality of programs
for controlling the operation of the image-forming apparatus, and
that the switch control unit controls the switch system based on a
program, from among the plurality of programs, read from the third
memory unit based on the switch identification information and the
unit identification information.
[0033] The above configuration makes it possible to select a
suitable program based on the combination of the heating unit and
the switch system, and also to properly control the switch system,
providing a further highly-versatile image-forming apparatus.
[0034] It is preferable that the image-forming apparatus further
includes a fourth memory unit that stores a plurality of
combinations of switch identification information and unit
identification information, and a notification unit that gives a
notification based on the result of comparing the switch
identification information and the unit identification information
read from the first memory unit and the second memory unit, and the
plurality of combinations stored in the fourth memory unit.
[0035] The above configuration makes it possible to, for example,
notify the user when the combination of the heating unit and the
switch system is not compatible.
[0036] In the image-forming apparatus, it is preferable that the
conmmercial power supply has a first terminal and a second terminal
to supply the power and that the switch system includes a first
relay provided between the first terminal and the heating unit, and
a first triac provided between the second terminal and the heating
unit. Also, it is preferable that the switch system further
includes a second relay provided between the first terminal and the
heating unit, in parallel with the first relay, and a second triac
provided between the second terminal and the heating unit, in
parallel with the first triac.
[0037] Embodiments of the invention are described below with
reference to the drawings. However, the below embodiments do not
limit the invention, and all the combinations of the features
described in the embodiments are not always necessary to achieve
the invention.
[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the entire configuration
of an image-forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the
invention. The image-forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is an
apparatus that forms full-color images by overlapping four kinds of
color toner, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), or
monochrome images using black toner, using the electrophotographic
method. This image-forming apparatus, upon receipt from an external
apparatus (not shown), such as a host computer, of an image signal,
activates its components in response to control by a main
controller and an engine controller to form (i.e., print) an image
corresponding to the image signal on a sheet S, which is a medium
such as copy-paper, transfer-paper, paper, or an OHP transparent
sheet, etc.
[0039] The image-forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is configured so
that each of a photo-conductor unit 2, a development unit 3, an
intermediate transfer unit 4, and a fusing unit 5, which is an
example of a heating unit, can freely be attached to and detached
from the apparatus body (chassis 6). The fusing unit 5 has a
heating roller 5A and a pressure roller 5B. In the state in which
these units are mounted in the apparatus body 6, as shown in FIG.
1, a photo conductor 21 in the photoreceptor unit 2 rotates in the
direction of the shown arrow, and a charging unit 22, the rotary
development unit 3, and a cleaning unit 23 are respectively
arranged around the photo conductor 21. The rotary development unit
3 includes four development units corresponding to the YMCK colors.
A charging bias is applied to the charging unit 22, thereby
uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the photo
conductor 21. The cleaning unit 23 scrapes toner remaining on the
outer peripheral surface of the photo conductor 21 after execution
of the primary transfer, cleaning the photo conductor 21.
[0040] An exposure unit 8 outputs laser light L in response to an
image signal from the engine controller to expose the outer
periphery surface of the photo conductor 21 to the light, thereby
forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image
signal on the photo conductor 21. The electrostatic latent image
formed through the above process is then subject to toner
development by the development unit 3. Consequently, the
electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 21 is expressed by
the YMCK toner. The toner image developed as above is
primary-transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 41 of the
intermediate transfer unit 4 at a primary-transfer area TR1. The
image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is
secondary-transferred onto the sheet S that has been pulled out of
a cassette 9. The sheet S with the image formed thereon is carried
via the fusing unit 5 to a tray provided on the upper surface of
the apparatus body 6.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configurations of the fusing
unit 5 and the power supply system according the first embodiment
of the invention. The power supply system includes terminals 110 to
118, a first relay 122 and a second relay 124, a first triac 126
and a second triac 128, a conmmercial power supply 120, and a
switch control unit 150. The terminals 110 to 118 are examples of
connectors connectable to the fusing unit 5. The first relay 122
and the second relay 124, and the first triac 126 and the second
triac 128 constitutes an example of a switch system that switches
the power supply to the fusing unit 5 on or off.
[0042] The fusing unit 5 has a first halogen lamp 10, a second
halogen lamp 20, a third halogen lamp 30, which are examples of
power loads, and memory 50, which is an example of a memory unit.
The memory 50 may be non-volatile memory such as FRAM.
[0043] In this embodiment, the first halogen lamp 10 is configured
so that it heats the central part of an area where the
image-forming apparatus can form images, and the second halogen
lamp 20 is configured so that it heats both sides of the area. In
other words, the image-forming apparatus, when forming an image on
a medium with a large width, such as A4 paper, heats the medium
using both the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp
20, and when forming an image on a medium with a small width, such
as B5 paper, heats the medium using the first halogen lamp 10
only.
[0044] The third halogen lamp 30 is connected in series to the
first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20, and functions
as an auxiliary halogen lamp for suppressing any inrush current
that flows into the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen
lamp 20.
[0045] The first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20 are
provided inside the heating roller 5A of the fusing unit 5, and the
third halogen lamp 30 is provided inside the pressure roller 5B of
the fusing unit 5. The third halogen lamp 30 may be provided inside
the heating roller 5A together with the first halogen lamp 10 and
the second halogen lamp 20 to heat the heating roller 5A.
[0046] The memory 50 stores identification information for
identifying the type of fusing unit 5. The memory 50 stores
information on the halogen lamps provided in the fusing unit 5 as
identification information for the fusing unit 5. More
specifically, the memory 50 stores information like the number of
halogen lamps, the halogen lamp types (those for heating the
central part, and for heating both sides, etc.), and the connection
configuration of the halogen lamps as identification information.
When the configuration of the fusing unit 5 is set according to the
destination where the image-forming apparatus is to be shipped, the
memory 50 may store the shipping destination as identification
information.
[0047] The terminals 110 to 118 connect the image-forming apparatus
body and the fusing unit 5. The terminals 110 to 118, upon the
fusing unit 5 being mounted in the image-forming apparatus body,
are connected to the first halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp
20, the third halogen lamp 30 and the memory 50, so that the
halogen lamps can be supplied with power via the terminals, and
identification information can be read from the memory 50.
[0048] More specifically, upon the fusing unit 5 being mounted in
the image-forming apparatus body, the terminals 110 and 112 are
respectively connected t one end of the first halogen lamp 10 and
the second halogen lamp 20, and the terminal 114 is connected to
the other ends of the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen
lamp 20. Consequently, it becomes possible to supply the first
halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20 with power.
[0049] The terminal 114 is connected also to one end of the third
halogen lamp 30, and the terminal 116 is connected to the other end
of the third halogen lamp 30. Consequently, it becomes possible to
supply the third halogen lamp 30 with power. Furthermore, the
terminal 118 is connected to the memory 50, making it possible to
read the identification information for the fusing unit 5 from the
memory 50.
[0050] The conmmercial power supply 120 generates power to be
supplied to the fusing unit 5. In this embodiment, the conmmercial
power supply 120 supplies the fusing unit 5 with an alternate
voltage that has been supplied from a commercial alternate power
source to the image-forming apparatus. The conmmercial power supply
120 has a live-side terminal L, which is an example of a first
terminal, and a neutral-side terminal N, which is an example of a
second terminal. The live-side terminal L is connected to one end
of the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20, and
the neutral-side terminal N is connected to the other ends of those
lamps.
[0051] The relays 122 and 124, which are provided between the
live-side terminal L of the conmmercial power supply 120, and the
fusing unit 5, switch the connection between the conmmercial power
supply 120 and the fusing unit 5 on or off. More specifically, the
relay 122, which is provided between the live-side terminal L and
the terminal 110, switches the connection between the conmmercial
power supply 120 and the first halogen lamp 10 on or off. The relay
124, which is provided between the live-side terminal L and the
terminal 112, switches the connection between the conmmercial power
supply 120 and the second halogen lamp 20 on or off.
[0052] The triacs 126 and 128, which are provided between the
neutral-side terminal N of the conmmercial power supply 120, and
the fusing unit 5, switch the connection between the conmmercial
power supply 120 and the fusing unit 5 on or off. More
specifically, the triac 126, which is provided between the
neutral-side terminal N and the terminal 114, switches the
connection between the conmmercial power supply 120, and the first
halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20, and the third halogen
lamp 30 on or off. The triac 128, which is provided between the
neutral-side terminal N and the terminal 116, switches the
connection between the conmmercial power supply 120 and the third
halogen lamp 30 on or off.
[0053] The switch control unit 150 controls the relays 122 and 124,
and the triacs 126 and 128. More specifically, the switch control
unit 150, based on instructions from an integrated control unit
160, switches the relays 122 and 124, and triacs 126 and 128 on or
off separately to supply or not supply power to the first halogen
lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20 and the third halogen lamp
30.
[0054] In other words, the switch control unit 150 switches on both
the relay 122 and the triac 126 to supply the first halogen lamp 10
with power, and switches on both the relay 124 and the triac 126 to
supply the second halogen lamp 20 with power. Furthermore, the
switch control unit 150 switches on the triac 128 to supply the
third halogen lamp 30 with power.
[0055] The integrated control unit 160 integrally controls the
operation of the image-forming apparatus. In this embodiment, the
integrated control unit 160 reads the identification information
for the fusing unit 5 from the memory 50, and controls the switch
control unit 150 based on that identification information.
[0056] More specifically, in this embodiment, the memory 50 stores
identification information indicating that the fusing unit 5 has
the first halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20 and the third
halogen lamp 30. Based on the identification information read from
the memory 50, the integrated control unit 160 determines that the
fusing unit 5 has the first halogen lamp 10, the second halogen
lamp 20, and the third halogen lamp 30, and controls the switch
control unit 150 accordingly.
[0057] For example, when forming an image on a medium with a small
width, such as B5 paper, the integrated control unit 160 controls
the switch control unit 150 to turn the relay 122 and the triac 126
on. Consequently, power is supplied only to the first halogen lamp
10, heating the medium. When forming an image on a medium with a
large width, such as A4 paper, the integrated control unit 160
controls the switch control unit 150 to turn the relay 124 and the
triac 126 on. Consequently, power is supplied only to the second
halogen lamp 20, heating the heating roller 5A to heat the medium.
In these cases, it is possible to first turn the relay 122 or 124
and then the triac 126 on.
[0058] The integrated control unit 160 controls the switch control
unit 150 so that the triac 126 is turned on or off to maintain the
heating roller 5A at a predetermined temperature. The image-forming
apparatus has a temperature detection unit, e.g., a thermistor,
near the fusing unit 5, and the integrated unit 160 controls the
switch control unit 150 based on the temperature detected by the
temperature detection unit.
[0059] When suppressing the inrush current that flows into the
first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20, the
integrated control unit 160 controls the switch control unit 150 so
that the triac 128 is turned on before turning on the relays 122
and 124, and the triac 126. As a result, the first halogen lamp 10
and the second halogen lamp 20 are connected in series to the third
halogen lamp 30, making it possible to reduce the inrush current
that flows into the fusing unit 5 when the relays 122 and 124, and
the triac 126 are turned on, and consequently, to reduce flicker
generated by the inrush current that flows into the fusing unit
5.
[0060] After the heating roller 5A is preheated by the first
halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20, and the third halogen
lamp 30, the integrated control unit 160 controls the switch
control unit 150 so that the triac 128 is turned off and the triac
126 is turned on. Consequently, the heating roller 5A is heated by
the first halogen lamp 10 and/or the second halogen lamp 20.
[0061] When the first halogen lamp 10 and/or the second halogen
lamp 20 is turned off and then turned on again to maintain the
heating roller 5A at a predetermined temperature, the integrated
control unit 160 may turn the triac 126 on to turn the first
halogen lamp 10 and/or the second halogen lamp 20 on, and also may
turn the triac 128 on and then turn it off, and then turn on the
triac 126 to turn on the first halogen lamp 10 and/or the second
halogen lamp 20.
[0062] The integrated control unit 160, when information regarding
the shipping destination for the image-forming apparatus or the
fusing unit 5 is stored in the memory 50, may turn the third
halogen lamp 30 on or off based on that information. For example,
if the shipping destination stored in the memory 50 is a country or
area not requiring compliance with flicker standards (e.g., Japan),
the integrated control unit 160 does not use the third halogen lamp
30, and if it is a country or area requiring compliance with
flicker standards (e.g, Europe), it uses the third halogen lamp
30.
[0063] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fusing
unit 5 according to the second embodiment of the invention. The
configuration of the fusing unit 5 and the operation of the
image-forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be
explained below focussing on the differences between it and the
first embodiment. The configurations provided with the same
reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same
configurations and functions as those in the first embodiment.
[0064] The fusing unit 5 according to this embodiment has the first
halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20, and the memory 50. In
other words, compared to the fusing unit 5 according to the first
embodiment (FIG. 2), the fusing unit 5 according to this embodiment
has no third halogen lamp 30. The fusing unit 5 according to this
embodiment is one that is to be shipped to a country or area not
requiring compliance with flicker standards (e.g., Japan).
[0065] In this embodiment, the memory 50 stores the information
indicating that the fusing unit 5 only has the first halogen lamp
10 and the second halogen lamp 20. The integrated control unit 160
reads the identification information from the memory 50, and uses
that to control the switch control unit 150. The integrated control
unit 160 controls the switch control unit 150 to arbitrarily turn
the relays 122 and 124, and the triac 126 on or off according to
the size, etc., of the medium.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fusing
unit 5 according to the third embodiment of the invention. The
configuration of the fusing unit 5 and the operation of the
image-forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be
explained below focussing on the differences between it and the
first and second embodiments. The configurations provided with the
same reference numerals as those in the first and second
embodiments have the same configurations and functions as those in
those first and second embodiments.
[0067] The fusing unit 5 according to this embodiment has a fourth
halogen lamp 40 instead of the first halogen lamp 10 and the second
halogen lamp 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The fourth halogen lamp 40 can
heat an area that is substantially the same in size as the area of
the heating roller 5A that is heated by the first halogen lamp 10
and the second halogen lamp 20. The fourth halogen lamp 40 is
provided in the same position as the first halogen lamp 10 in the
fusing unit 5. The fusing unit 5 according to this embodiment is
one that is to be shipped to a country or area requiring compliance
with flicker standards where users do not use mediums with
different widths very much (e.g. Europe).
[0068] In this embodiment, the memory 50 stores identification
information indicating that the fusing unit 5 only has the third
halogen lamp 30 and the fourth halogen lamp 40. The integrated
control unit 160 reads the identification information from the
memory 50, and uses that to control the switch control unit 150.
The integrated control unit 160 controls the switch control unit
150 to arbitrarily turn the relay 122, and the triacs 126 and 128
on or off according to whether or not to suppress the inrush
current.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a power
supply system that supplies the fusing unit 5 with power. As shown
in FIG. 5, the relays 122 and 124 may be connected in series. In
other words, the relay 124 is provided between the relay 122 and
the terminal 112, and the terminal 112 is connected to the
conmmercial power supply 120 via the relays 122 and 124. The
integrated control unit 160, as in the first to fourth embodiments,
heats the heating roller 5A by controlling the switch control unit
150 to turn the relays 122 and 124 on or off.
[0070] The above-described embodiments make it possible for the
integrated control unit 160 and the switch control unit 150 to
control the power supply to the fusing unit 5 according to the type
of fusing unit 5 mounted in the image-forming apparatus.
Accordingly, the above embodiments make it possible to provide a
highly-versatile image-forming apparatus compatible with many types
of fusing units 5.
[0071] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit 5 and a power supply system according to the fourth embodiment
of the invention. The configuration of the fusing unit 5 and the
operation of the power supply system according to the fourth
embodiment will be explained below focussing on the differences
between it and the above embodiments. The configurations provided
with the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiments
have the same configurations and functions as those in these
embodiments.
[0072] The integrated control unit 160 integrally controls the
operation of the image-forming apparatus. In this embodiment, the
integrated control unit 160 reads unit identification information
for the fusing unit 5 from the memory 50, and also reads switch
identification information, combination information, and a program
from the memory 170, and based on the information and program,
controls the switch control unit 150 and the components in the
image-forming apparatus.
[0073] More specifically, in this embodiment, the memory 50 stores
identification information indicating that the fusing unit 5 has
the first halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20 and the third
halogen lamp 30. The memory 170 stores switch identification
information indicating that the switch system has the relays 122
and 124, and the triacs 126 and 128.
[0074] The integrated control unit 160 compares the combination of
the unit identification information read from the memory 50 and the
switch identification information read from the memory 170, with
the combination information stored in the memory 170. If the
combination is one contained in the combination information, the
integrated control unit 160 determines that that combination is
compatible, and then reads a program suitable for that combination
from the memory 170, and controls the switch control unit 150 based
on the program.
[0075] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the combination is one in
which the halogen lamps of the fusing unit 5 are properly connected
to the terminals 110 to 116, and that is included in the
combination information stored in the memory 170. Accordingly, the
integrated control unit 160 determines that the combination of the
fusing unit 5 and the switch system is compatible.
[0076] The integrated unit 160 reads from the memory 170 a program
suitable for a configuration in which the fusing unit 5 has the
first halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20 and the third
halogen lamp 30, and in which the switch system has the relays 122
and 124, and the triacs 126 and 128, and controls the switch
control unit 150 based on the program.
[0077] For example, when forming an image on a medium with a small
width, such a as B5 paper, the integrated control unit 160 controls
the switch control unit 150 to turn the relay 122 and the traic 126
on, and as a result, only the first halogen lamp 10 is supplied
with power and heats the medium. When forming an image on a medium
with a large width, such as A4 paper, the integrated control unit
160 controls the switch control unit 150 to turn the relay 124 and
the triac 126 on, and as a result, only the second halogen lamp 20
is supplied with power and heats the heating roller 5A, heating the
medium. In these cases, the switch control unit 150 may first turn
the relay 122 or 124 on and then turn the triac 126 on.
[0078] The integrated control unit 160 controls the switch control
unit 150 so that the triac 126 is turned on or off to maintain the
heating roller 5A at a predetermined temperature. The image-forming
apparatus has a temperature detection unit, such as a thermistor,
near the fusing unit 5, and the integrated control unit 160
controls the switch control unit 150 based on the temperature
detected by the temperature detection unit.
[0079] Furthermore, when suppressing any inrush current that flows
into the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20, the
integrated control unit 160 controls the switch control unit 150 to
turn the triac 128 on before turning the relays 122 and 124, and
the triac 126 on. As a result, the third halogen lamp 30 is
connected in series to the first halogen lamp 10 and the second
halogen lamp 20, making it possible to reduce the inrush current
that flows into the fusing unit 5 when the relays 122 and 124, and
the triac 126 are turned on, and consequently, to reduce flicker
caused by the inrush current that flows through the image-forming
apparatus.
[0080] After the heating roller 5A is preheated by the first
halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20 and the third halogen
lamp 30, the integrated control unit 160 controls the switch
control unit 150 to turn the triac 128 off, and the triac 126 on.
Consequently, the heating roller 5A is heated by the first halogen
lamp 10 and/or the second halogen lamp 20.
[0081] When the first halogen lamp 10 and/or the second halogen
lamp 20 are turned off and then turned on again to maintain the
heating roller 5A at a predetermined temperature, the integrated
control unit 160 may turn the triac 126 on to turn the first
halogen lamp 10 and/or the second halogen lamp 20 on, or may also
first turn the triac 128 on, and then turn the triac 128 off, and
then turn the triac 126 on to turn the first halogen lamp 10 and/or
the second halogen lamp 20 on.
[0082] When information relating to the shipping destination for
the image-forming apparatus or the fusing unit 5 is stored in the
memory 50, the integrated control unit 160 may control whether or
not the third halogen lamp 30 is supplied with power based on that
information. For example, if the shipping destination stored in the
memory 50 is a country or area not requiring compliance with
flicker standards (e.g., Japan), the integrated control unit 160
does not use the third halogen lamp 30, and if it is a country or
area requiring compliance with flicker standards (e.g., Europe), it
uses the third halogen lamp 30.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit 5 and a power supply system according to the fifth embodiment
of the invention. FIG. 7 shows an example of the image-forming
apparatus having the power supply system according to the fourth
embodiment, with a fusing unit 5 having a configuration different
from that of the fusing unit 5 according to the fourth embodiment
mounted therein. The configuration of the fusing unit 5 and the
operation of the image-forming apparatus according to the fifth
embodiment will be explained below focussing on the differences
between it and the above embodiments. The configurations provided
with the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiments
have the same configurations and functions as those in these
embodiments.
[0084] In this embodiment, the fusing unit 5 has the first halogen
lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20, and the memory 50. In other
words, compared to the fusing unit 5 according to the fourth
embodiment (see FIG. 6), the fusing unit 5 according to the fifth
embodiment has the third halogen lamp 30. The fusing unit 5
according to the fifth embodiment is one that is to be shipped to a
country or area not requiring compliance with flicker standards
(e.g., Japan).
[0085] In this embodiment, the memory 50 stores unit identification
information indicating that the fusing unit 5 only has the first
halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20. Upon the fusing
unit 5 being mounted in the image-forming apparatus, the integrated
control unit 160 reads the unit identification information from the
memory 50.
[0086] This embodiment has a combination in which the halogen lamps
of the fusing unit 5 are properly connected to the terminals 110 to
114, and in which nothing is connected to the terminal 116. Since
that combination is one where the power supply system can control
the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20 in the
fusing unit 5, it is contained in the combination information
stored in the memory 170. Accordingly, the integrated control unit
160 determines that the combination of the fusing unit 5 and the
switch system is compatible.
[0087] The integrated control unit 160 reads from the memory 170 a
program suitable for a configuration in which the fusing unit 5 has
the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20, and in
which the switch system has the relays 122 and 124, and the triacs
126 and 128, and controls the switch control unit 150 based on the
program. More specifically, the integrated control unit 160
controls the switch control unit 150 to arbitrarily turn the relays
122 and 124, and the triac 126 on or off according to the size of
the medium, etc.
[0088] The memory 170 may store combination information rendering
the combination according this embodiment incompatible. In other
words, the memory 170 may store configuration information that does
not include the combination according to this embodiment. In this
case, the integrated control unit 160 determines that the
combination of the fusing unit 5 and the switch system is not
compatible, and notifies the user to that effect via a notification
unit 180. The notification unit 180 may be a display such as a
liquid-crystal panel, or a sound generator such as a speaker.
[0089] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configurations of a fusing
unit 5 and a power supply system according to the sixth embodiment
of the invention. The configuration and operation of the fusing
unit 5 and the image-forming apparatus according to the sixth
embodiment will be explained below focussing on the differences
from the above embodiments. The configurations provided with the
same reference numerals as those in the above embodiments have the
same configurations and functions as those in these
embodiments.
[0090] In this embodiment, the power supply system has the
terminals 110 to 114, and 118, the conmmercial power supply 120,
the relays 122 and 124, the triac 126, and the switch control unit
150. In other words, compared to the power supply systems (see FIG.
6 or FIG. 7) according to the fourth and fifth embodiments, the
power supply system according to the sixth embodiment does not have
the triac 128.
[0091] In this embodiment, the memory 170 stores switch
identification information indicating that the power supply system
only has the relays 122 and 124, and the triac 126. The memory 50
stores unit identification information indicating that the fusing
unit 5 has the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp
20.
[0092] This embodiment has a combination in which the halogen lamps
of the fusing unit 5 are properly connected to the terminals 110 to
114, and that combination is contained in the combination
information stored in the memory 170. Accordingly, the integrated
control unit 160 determines that the combination of the fusing unit
5 and the switch system is compatible.
[0093] The integrated control unit 160 reads from the memory 170 a
program suitable for a configuration in which the fusing unit 5 has
the first halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20, and in
which the switch system has the relays 122 and 124, and the triac
126, and controls the switch control unit 150 based on the
program.
[0094] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fusing
unit 5 and a power supply system according to the seventh
embodiment of the invention. The configuration and operation of the
fusing unit 5 and the image-forming apparatus according to the
seventh embodiment will be explained below focussing on the
differences between it and the above embodiments. The
configurations provided with the same reference numerals as those
in the above embodiments have the same configurations and functions
as those in these embodiments.
[0095] In the seventh embodiment, the power supply system has the
terminals 110 to 114, and 118, the conmmercial power supply 120,
the relays 122 and 124, the triac 126, and the switch control unit
150. The fusing unit 5 has the first halogen lamp 10, the second
halogen lamp 20, the third halogen lamp 30, and the memory 50.
[0096] The memory 170 stores information indicating that the power
supply system only has the relays 122 and 124, and the triac 126,
and the memory 50 stores unit identification information indicating
that the fusing unit 5 has the first halogen lamp 10, the second
halogen lamp 20 and the third halogen lamp 30.
[0097] This embodiment has a combination in which the halogen lamps
in the fusing unit 5 are not properly connected to the terminals
110 to 116. More specifically, one end of the third halogen lamp 30
is not connected to any of the terminals of the power supply
system, and therefore, that combination does not match any
combination in the combination information stored in the memory
170. Accordingly, the integrated control unit 160 determines that
the combination of the fusing unit 5 and the switch system is
incompatible, and notifies the user to that effect via the
notification unit 180.
[0098] In the seventh embodiment, the integrated control unit 160
may indicate via the notification unit 180 that the third halogen
lamp 30 cannot be used. Also, In this embodiment, the integrated
control unit 160 may read from the memory 170 a program suitable
for a configuration in which the fusing unit 5 has the first
halogen lamp 10 and the second halogen lamp 20, and in which the
switch system has the relays 122 and 124, and the triac 126, and
control the switch control unit 150 based on the program.
[0099] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fusing
unit 5 and a power supply system according to the eighth embodiment
of the invention. The configuration and operation of the fusing
unit 5 and the image-forming apparatus according to the eighth
embodiment will be explained below focussing on the differences
between it and the above embodiments.
[0100] In this embodiment, the power supply system has the
terminals 110, 114 and 116, the conmmercial power supply 120, the
relay 122, the triacs 126 and 128, and the switch control unit 150.
The fusing unit 5 has the third halogen lamp 30, the fourth halogen
lamp 40, and the memory 50. The fourth halogen lamp 40 can heat an
area that is substantially the same in size as the area of the
heating roller 5A that is heated by the first halogen lamp 10 and
the second halogen lamp 20. The fourth halogen lamp 40 is provided
at the same position as the first halogen lamp 10 in the fusing
unit 5. The fusing unit 5 of this embodiment is one that is to be
shipped to a country or area requiring compliance with flicker
standards where users do not use mediums with different sizes very
much (e.g., Europe).
[0101] The memory 170 stores switch identification information
indicating that the power supply apparatus only has the relay 122,
and the triacs 126 and 128, and the memory 50 stores unit
identification information indicating that the fusing unit 5 only
has the third halogen lamp 30 and the fourth halogen lamp 40.
[0102] This embodiment has a combination in which the halogen lamps
of the fusing unit 5 are properly connected to the terminals 110,
114, and 116, and that combination is stored in the combination
information stored in the memory 170. Accordingly, the integrated
control unit 160 determines that the combination of the fusing unit
5 and the switch system is compatible.
[0103] The integrated control unit 160 reads from the memory 170 a
program suitable for a configuration in which the fusing unit 5 has
the third halogen lamp 30 and the fourth halogen lamp 40, and in
which the switch system has the relay 122, and the triacs 126 and
128, and controls the switch control unit 150 based on the
program.
[0104] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fusing
unit 5 and a power supply system according to the ninth embodiment
of the invention. The configuration and operation of the fusing
unit 5 and the image-forming apparatus according to the ninth
embodiment will be explained below focussing on the differences
between it and the above embodiments.
[0105] In the ninth embodiment, the power supply system has the
terminals 110, 114 and 116, the conmmercial power supply 120, the
relay 122, the triacs 126 and 128, and the switch control unit 150.
The fusing unit 5 has the first halogen lamp 10, the second halogen
lamp 20, and the third halogen lamp 30, and the memory 50.
[0106] The memory 170 stores switch identification information
indicating that the power supply system only has the relay 122, and
the triacs 126 and 128, and the memory 50 stores unit
identification information indicating that the fusing unit 5 has
the first halogen lamp 10, the second halogen lamp 20, and the
third halogen lamp 30.
[0107] This embodiment has a combination in which the halogen lamps
of the fusing unit 5 are not properly connected to the terminals
110, 114, and 116. More specifically, one end of the second halogen
lamp 20 is not connected to any of the terminals included in the
power supply system, and therefore, that combination does not match
any combination in the combination information stored in the memory
170. Accordingly, the integrated control unit 160 determines that
the combination of the fusing unit 5 and the switch system is
incompatible, and notifies the user to that effect via the
notification unit 180.
[0108] In this embodiment, the integrated control unit 160 may
indicate via the notification lamp 180 that the second halogen lamp
20 cannot be used. In this embodiment, the integrated control unit
160 may read from the memory 170 a program suitable for a
configuration in which the fusing unit 5 has the first halogen lamp
10 and the third halogen lamp 30, and in which the switch system
has the relay 122, and the triacs 126 and 128, and controls the
switch control unit 150 based on that program. In this case, since
it is impossible to properly form an image on a medium with a width
larger than the area of the heating roller 5A heated by the first
halogen lamp 10, the integrated control unit 160 may notify the
user to that effect via the notification unit 180.
[0109] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a power
supply system that supplies the fusing unit 5 with power. As shown
in FIG. 12, the relays 122 and 124 may be connected in series. In
other words, the relay 124 is provided between the relay 122 and
the terminal 112, and the terminal 112 is connected to the
conmmercial power supply 120 via the relays 122 and 124. The
integrated control unit 160, as in the above embodiments, controls
the switch control unit 150 to turn the relays 122 and 124 on or
off to heat the heating roller 5A.
[0110] According to the above-described embodiments, the power
supply to the fusing unit 5 may be controlled according to the
switch system type, and the type of fusing unit 5 mounted.
Accordingly, the above embodiments make it possible to provide a
highly-versatile image-forming apparatus compatible with many types
of the fusing units 5 and switch systems.
[0111] Also, according to the above embodiments, a suitable program
can be selected based on the combination of the fusing unit 5 and
the switch system to properly control the operation of the switch
system, making it possible to provide a more highly-versatile
image-forming apparatus. According to the embodiments, when the
combination of the fusing unit 5 and the switch system is
incompatible, it is possible to notify the user to that effect.
[0112] Each of the examples and applications of the invention
described through the aforementioned embodiments may arbitrarily be
used in any combination, or modified or altered according to use.
The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It
is clear from the claim recitations that any such combination,
modification or alternation is included in the technical scope of
the invention.
* * * * *